Renowned Sports Broadcaster

Executive Producer of Western Australia’s ABC Sport, Glenn Mitchell is a fixture in Australian homes with his commentaries on AFL and international and domestic cricket. The broadcaster has covered an immense portion of Australia’s sporting achievements, including Olympic Games, Commonwealth and Paralympic Games, over 750 AFL and WAFL matches and numerous other sporting codes. Glenn’s commitment to sport was recognised in 2000 with an Australian Sports Medal. His anecdotes and first hand experiences provide an entertaining and motivational portraiture on the stuff of true sporting champions.

For more than two decades from early-1990, Glenn Mitchell lived a life that many envied. As a sports commentator for the ABC, and married to fellow broadcaster, Karen Tighe, he travelled the world covering elite level sport.

During his tenure with the ABC he commentated on four Olympic, four Commonwealth and two Paralympic Games. As one of the ABC's senior cricket commentators he called over 190 international matches, covering 12 overseas tours. Back home, he commentated more than 900 AFL and WAFL games. Throughout his career he commentated more than 20 different sports on both radio and television. In 2000 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by the Governor-General for his contribution to sport, one of numerous awards he garnered during his broadcasting career.

But all through this period in the public profile, Glenn was a sufferer of mental illness. In late-2006 he finally realized he needed medical help for his condition. Thus started a long and complex journey of self-analysis and various medications as he endeavoured to overcome his illness. Despite having made progress a confluence of events in early-2011 saw him descend into a highly depressive mental state that resulted in him inexplicably resigning his position at the ABC and making an attempt on his own life. It was the blackest of periods in the life of a man who appeared to have everything to live for.

With the support of his wife, family, friends and doctors, he was able to fight back from the brink of despair. While he forfeited his dream job, what he gained by way of his rehabilitation was far more important. After overcoming his personal demons and reshaping his life, Glenn now aims to try and prevent others from enduring the torturous path he did by candidly speaking about his own journey.

It is a story laced with poignancy, humour and, above all, hope for those who suffer the anguish of mental illness or know people who do. Glenn's goal is to encourage everyone who is or has been touched by the scourge of mental illness that help is at hand. His story is one of inspiration and shows that with the right help and persistence there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Whether it be sporting anecdotes from 20 years travelling the world, speaking openly about the scourge of mental illness and the journey through it, or a dynamic and humour-laden MC, Glenn always delivers.

Testimonials

“Former ABC broadcaster Glenn Mitchell received a standing ovation at the Men in Black Ball for his moving story about his struggle with depression. He revealed he was so close to taking his own life that he’d said a final farewell to his five-year-old son as he dropped him off at school …" 
The Sunday Times

“Glenn spoke with no notes for 45 minutes and never missed a beat as he talked about the reasons for Australia’s pre-eminent place in world sport. A riveting presentation laced with anecdotes and humour"
Wellington College, Berkshire, England

“A wonderfully insightful and humorous address that had the audience riveted from start to finish" 
Adelaide Cricket Society

“Glenn’s presentation was great using his experience and knowledge of sport mixed with humour. Importantly he was able to engage the whole audience from all parts of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Rating: Excellent" 
Capricorn Society Limited

“We appreciated Glenn's professional approach as MC for our Emerging Leaders Program Launch, and his prior preparation. We were very pleased with the outcome of the launch. Excellent MC" 
Dept of Sport & Recreation

"Glenn spoke superbly about the relationship between Australian society and cricket. The audience was hugely impressed by his knowledge and humor" 
Cricket Club of India, Mumbai

"Excellent presentation which provided our audience with an entertaining and informative insight into the world of elite sport. We've had much positive comment and feedback from our members and guests" 
CPA Australia State Congress

“As a host and presenter, Glenn’s professional approach and capacity to engage an audience with his unique blend of humour and wit, are exceptional" 
CEO Lifeline

"Excellent speaker. Glenn was exactly what we wanted and participated really well" 
IWIRC Network (WA Branch)

"Glenn had our audience captivated. His presentation 'What We Can All Learn from Sport' was excellent." 
Austnet Real Estate Services Conference